Jan. 21 -- Nick McCloud's recruitment has quickly been gaining momentum in recent weeks. The Rock Hill (S.C.) South Pointe Cornerback, who is down to five schools, gave Scout the latest...

“My top five – in no particular order – are Vanderbilt, NC State, Georgia Tech, Maryland and UCLA,” Nick McCloud said. "I wouldn't give any school an edge right now."

McCloud gave a quick thought on each.

Vanderbilt: “They have really strong academics and they had a great defense last year,” he said. “They also have really good defensive back coaches.”

NC State: “I like a lot of things about NC State – the coaching staff, the atmosphere on game day and the fact that they’re a young team. They also don’t have a lot of depth at corner.”

Georgia Tech: “They’ve been recruiting me for about a month and I’m going on my official visit this weekend, so I’m excited to learn more about them – both academically and athletically. They also have a lot of defensive backs leaving and I have family in Atlanta.”

Maryland: “They have a new staff, so I’m just getting to know them. But I knew (defensive backs) coach (Aazaar) Abdul-Rahim when he was at Alabama and he’s a good coach. I might try to take an official there on Jan. 29.”

UCLA: “I’ve gotten to know (defensive backs) coach (Demetrice) Martin. He’s done a great job with the secondary out there and I’ve heard nothing but great things about him. He’s told me they need a long corner like me to come in and make an early impact. I could also take my last official there on the Jan. 29.”

McCloud has a timeframe for his decision and knows what he is looking for at the next level.

“I’ll probably commit on signing day,” he said. “The main factors that go into my decision will be academics, my relationship with the coaches and having a chance to come in and compete for early playing time.”